Where would society be without volunteers?
So much community work would be left undone. There would be no citizen patrols. St. Albert's 150th anniversary celebration would be a side note. Housebound seniors wouldn't have new library books or fresh meals. No one would pick them up for doctors' appointments or take them to the bank. Children wouldn't find big brothers or sisters. There wouldn't be mentors looking to guide the young toward self-discovery.
Volunteers do what otherwise wouldn't get done. It doesn't matter that there isn't a paycheque at the end of the day. They know a higher satisfaction that has no monetary value.
Every year in this city, the Community Information & Volunteer Centre (CIVC) organizes and hands out the Volunteer Citizen of the Year Award. It's a special thank you to the people who often say they actually receive more than they give.
Pat Phelan, volunteer services co-ordinator with the agency, is always impressed with the altruism of our local humanitarians.
"It is amazing that people give so much for so long and without question. They just are there."
She also said the selection committee had its hands full trying to pick the five names for the shortlist.
"There were just so much talent and so much given."
This year the awards will be handed out during a ceremony on Saturday, April 30 at the Alliance Church. Call the CIVC at 780-459-6666 or visit www.stalbertcivc.com for details.
Here are this year's five nominees:
Susan McBain
Susan McBain started volunteering with the Girl Guides 40 years ago and hasn't looked back. She has helped with major sporting events like the Commonwealth Games and the Universiade Games. She's now a regular helper at the LoSeCa Thrift Store, team leader for the children's festival and co-chair of the Festival of Trees. She is known for always showing outstanding commitment while having a pleasant demeanour. In her nomination, children's festival organizer Diane Gwilliam stated, "Each and every opportunity we present her with, she makes better."
Anna Rodger
Losing a loved one can be the worst experience of a lifetime but Anna Rodger is there to help ease the pain. She's at the helm of the St. Albert Bereavement Fellowship. For almost a decade, she has offered guidance, comfort and emotional support to friends and strangers alike. She's probably at the lifestyle expo right now, overseeing the fellowship's 150 volunteers for the popular weekend event. She also helps out with the Driving Angels program and the seniors working group. She is active through her church with the friendship group, which helps mentally challenged adults. She has also volunteered with the Heart and Stroke Foundation for 35 years.
Dale Hanson
Inuvik hasn't been the same since Dale Hanson left but St. Albert has been all the better. She is on the board of Stop Abuse in Families (SAIF) and St. Albert Victim Services and is well known at the seniors' club as well. She works behind the scenes for fundraisers like the Dave Hanson Memorial Classic Golf Tournament, named after her late husband. According to SAIF's executive director Doreen Slessor, who nominated her, "Dale can always be counted on to get the job done and done beyond your expectations."
Urban Stang
There are lots of angels in town who help people get from place to place. Urban Stang is one of the best, even winning a Driving Angel Award from the seniors' club for it. You'll see him on the streets helping people get to their doctors' appointments and he also drives for the St. Vincent de Paul Society, a Catholic charity that tries to alleviate poverty. When he isn't behind the wheel, he's involved with the Knights of Columbus, St. Albert Victim Services and the St. Albert Parish. He loves sports too, demonstrated by the fact he has been coaching junior baseball and hockey since the 1980s.
Kathy Batty
Jennifer Duggan calls Kathy Batty "a superhero." That's because she's the commissioner with the Girl Guides and is in charge of 1,000 Guides within an area that covers a lot of central Alberta. She is known for her selflessness, enthusiasm and endless positive energy. Even though her regular duties are pretty extensive, she jumped in to steer the ship in Spruce Grove when there was an unexpected gap in leadership. It's great to know so many girls have such a great role model.
